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MP VIKRAM SAHNEY URGES PM INTERVENTION ON PADDY CRISIS IN PUNJAB

 

Press Release
24/10/2024

MP VIKRAM SAHNEY URGES PM INTERVENTION ON PADDY CRISIS IN PUNJAB

MP Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his intervention on the pressing issue of slow paddy procurement in Punjab, which has become a significant concern for our farmers.

Dr. Sahney stated that Rice Millers had categorically refused to collect paddy due to lack of storage space primarily due to non lifting by FCI . Fortunately, after the  government’s intervention 3000 out of the total 5000 rice millers have came up to procure the paddy but lack of storage space remains a key issue

Dr. Sahney added that Punjab has been the largest contributor of paddy to the central pool for decades, ensuring the nation’s food security. This year, the hardworking farmers of Punjab have produced 180 lakh metric tons of paddy, yet unfortunately, 120 lakh metric tons from last year is still stored in warehouses.

Dr. Sahney stated that this backlog is largely due to the government’s ban on the export of non-basmati rice, which has resulted in an accumulation of paddy. Additionally, the government did not procure a significant amount of rice last year for the Public Distribution System, further contributing to the surplus in warehouses.

So far only 10 lakh rice have been lifted Dr. sahney added

Dr. Sahney also said that given the official procurement process began on October 1, the ongoing challenges have left our farmers in a dire situation. It has been 24 days since the procurement started, yet farmers are still facing severe difficulties in selling their paddy. In all this Poor Farmers are becoming the collateral damage and suffering the most.

Letter to Hon’ble PM